Anticipation

"What would you like for Christmas?" It's a common question. Kids will hear it when they go to the mall and sit on Santa's lap. Families will ask each other as they anticipate gift-giving gatherings. Friends and coworkers might even ask it just out of curiosity. "What would you like?"

I'm always amazed at those who anticipate rather than ask, and not just at Christmas. You likely know one or two people like this. They don't necessarily ask, "What would you like?" but simply dive in and give or do or say what is needed. They sense that you are down, so they offer a word of encouragement. There are dishes in the sink, so they wash them. There is a mess left behind after the family gathering, so they clean up. They see something in the store and say to themselves, "Oh, that is so much something he or she would like" and they get it ... even without Christmas or a birthday pending.

These "anticipators" are a special breed. They often go without notice or thanks. Many times they do this so often that it is taken for granted. "Of course he'll pick up after himself; it's what he always does." "Why wouldn't she fix us a meal when we drop by for a visit? She always has." Often the anticipated "gift" is "small." He put the dishes in the dishwasher. She found some dirty socks and washed them with the rest of the stuff, knowing you'd need clean socks soon. He sees you coming in the rear view mirror and moves out of your way before you get there so you won't have to change lanes. And the one who receives this kind of gift often go on oblivious to the kindness.

Anticipation at Christmastime is normal. Anticipating the needs and wishes of others, on the other hand, isn't quite so common. It takes an outward look rather than the standard self center. Besides that, it is often practiced with little reward. Still, anticipating the needs and wishes of others and meeting them is a rare gift itself, one that would be well-sought by anyone who calls themselves a follower of Christ who anticipated and met our need long before we knew we had it.